Madison, Wisconsin – Two police officers who bravely defended the U.S. Capitol during the violent attack on January 6, 2021, came together at a press conference to voice their concerns about Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House in November. Daniel Hodges, a D.C. police officer, emphasized that Trump continues to incite political violence and has not retracted his statements that fueled the insurrection.
The officers spoke at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison alongside Democratic activists and state lawmakers, organized by the campaign to re-elect President Joe Biden. Hodges made it clear that Trump’s actions and rhetoric are incompatible with being pro-law enforcement, especially when he offers pardons to those who participated in the violent riot on January 6.
The press conference highlighted a central theme for Democrats in the 2024 elections, condemning the “MAGA Extremism” perpetuated by Trump and the Republican Party. The Biden-Harris campaign released an advertisement focusing on the January 6 attack and Trump’s troubling remarks regarding pardons for convicted individuals involved in the violence.
Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski recounted the attack as it unfolded on live television, condemning it as un-American and an assault on the rule of law and democracy. She criticized Trump for perpetuating lies about the 2020 election, pointing to Republican fake electors in Wisconsin who falsified electoral votes as part of a scheme to overturn Biden’s victory.
The officers expressed concern that despite ample evidence and hearings, a significant portion of the population remains skeptical of their first-hand accounts of the events on January 6. They emphasized the importance of holding Trump accountable for his role in inciting the attack, urging the Supreme Court to address the issue of presidential immunity.
Harry Dunn, the other officer present, stressed the need for good people in positions of power to uphold institutions and prevent future attacks on democracy. He warned that without accountability at the highest level, the country could face even more serious challenges in the future.
Both officers are on a three-city tour to raise awareness about the events of January 6 and the dangers of allowing Trump to return to power. They emphasized the importance of confronting misinformation, holding leaders accountable, and standing up for the truth to safeguard democracy for future generations.